Return to Classroom Becomes Quadriplegic’s Act of Courage

October 1, 1987
Source: North Penn Reporter
Author: Joan C.  McKenna

BACK IN SCHOOL: Sophomore George Butera is back in college at Temple University’s Ambler Campus one year after an accident which left him in a wheelchair.  The Ambler campus has been called one of the most accessible to disabled students in the Delaware Valley.

For George Butera, returning to college this fall has been no routine activity.  Going back to school at Temple University’s Ambler Campus was an act of courage.

The Whitpain resident began college as a typical student.  He returns to school this year in a wheelchair.

One week before final examinations for his freshman year at Temple’s main campus, Butera broke his neck while diving in the ocean at Atlantic City.  The accident left him paralyzed below the neck.

After spending one year in hospitals recuperating, Butera was well enough this fall to return to school.

“I was thinking about going back to school the whole time.  I didn’t want to stop going to school.  I wanted to go back, I had to go back.  I had to decide to pick up with my life again.  ”

Before the accident, Butera had been planning to transfer to the Ambler campus, which he described as “a lot quieter, more toned-down” than Temple’s main campus.

But as it turned out, the switch gave Butera more than just a change in scenery.  The Ambler campus has extensive facilities for handicapped students.

Jim McGowen, assistant director of Temple’s Office for Disabled Student Services and a disabled athlete who attempted to swim the English Channel last summer, called the campus “probably the most accessible campus in the Delaware Valley.  ”

For a disabled student, attending classes requires a variety of skills, which are taken for granted by most students.  Note taking, test taking, and paper-writing all require the help of assistants.

With the help of the school’s office of community services, Butera arranged to get the help he needed.

Students at Temple-Ambler have been very sensitive to his needs, lending a hand and opening doors.

“People here are real friendly,” he said.  “They are willing to help.  ”

And teachers have done their best to make sure that Butera, who cannot raise his hand, is given an opportunity to participate in classes.

“They always look at me to see if I want to answer or not.”